"Xi promptly issued a stern warning about Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Stressing that the "Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations," Xi warned the U.S. to handle the matter with "extra caution," according to a summary of his comments from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If not, Xi said, "the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts.""
"Trump arrived hat in hand, seeking money and promises from China's latter-day emperor, Xi Jinping. The visit, meant to establish stability after a decade of trade wars and acrimonious one-upmanship, instead highlighted how the balance of power is tipping away from Washington. Despite America's economic, military, and diplomatic heft, Trump's missteps have put him and the country on the back foot in dealings with the far more disciplined Xi."
"Trump opened the proceedings with his usual kowtowing. "You're a great leader. I say it to everybody," Trump told Xi at a welcoming ceremony yesterday at the Great Hall of the People. "Sometimes people don't like me saying it. But I say it anyway because it's true." The fawning didn't get him very far. In the meeting that followed, Xi promptly issued a stern warning about Taiwan."
"Secretary of State Marco Rubio later told NBC News that the administration's policy on Taiwan has not changed, but Trump himself-who still needs to sign off on plans to sell $14 billion in weapons to Taiwan-seems less committed. Trump said today that when Xi asked him whether he would send troops to defend Taiwan, he did not offer an answer. Washington's position on defending Taiwan has long been ambiguous, but Trump added to reporters that "The last thing we nee"
Tribute missions historically involved Asian rulers sending homage to China’s emperor in exchange for access to riches and favors. A recent U.S. presidential visit to Beijing is framed as a modern parallel, occurring after years of trade wars and strained rivalry. Despite American economic, military, and diplomatic strength, the visit is portrayed as leaving the U.S. on the back foot due to missteps and a more disciplined Chinese approach. Trump’s praise of Xi did not advance outcomes. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is central to China-U.S. relations and warned that mishandling it could lead to clashes or even conflicts. Later statements suggest U.S. policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, but Trump’s comments indicate uncertainty about defending Taiwan and troop commitments.
Read at The Atlantic
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